Free Web NovelAs they chatted, Leon and Lewis had thoroughly examined the giant cauliflower from top to bottom. If not for the risk of damaging its perfect shape, Leon would have been tempted to peel back the leaves to see what was inside.
Over at the Traveling Merchant’s Guild, Leon didn’t have to wait long before a representative arrived at the farm.
“Mr. Leon, may I bring my people in?”
Seeing the familiar face and hearing the request, Leon nodded. The man then led a group of burly workers into the farm, all wearing work suits that looked like high-tech hazmat gear.
“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Leon. Do you remember me?”
“Of course, Mr. Django.”
It was none other than Django, the Traveling Merchant’s Guild trader Leon had met at the Stardrop Saloon last time.
“Haha, you have a great memory, Mr. Leon.” Django chuckled in praise, then turned his attention to the massive cauliflower and sighed in admiration.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a large and perfect giant crop. Your farming talent is truly unmatched.” ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
“No need for the business flattery. Just harvest it and take it away. Leaving a monster like this in the field makes me feel like it’s sucking all the nutrients out of the soil,” Leon said with a smile.
“Of course. That’s exactly why we’re here.” Django nodded, then called out to the workers behind him.
“Get to work. Don’t trample Mr. Leon’s other crops. Harvest it, carry it out of the farm, and then apply quick-freeze technology. Understand?”
“Yes, sir!”
The workers responded in unison, bowed slightly to Leon, and quickly surrounded the giant cauliflower. One worker took out an ice-cold blade from the case on his back and carefully sliced through the stalk at the base.
The others lifted the giant cauliflower from beneath, and the moment the stalk was severed, they hoisted it up together.
Led by the man with the icy blade, they avoided the fields entirely, circling around to solid ground before carrying the crop away.
Watching them go, Django turned to Leon. “We’ll need to find the best buyer to get you the highest price, so the payment might be delayed a few days.”
“No problem.” Leon trusted the Traveling Merchant’s Guild. They were a professional commercial organization, so even without a deposit, he wasn’t worried about them pocketing the cauliflower.
“If you have any more giant crops in the future, you can contact me directly, and I’ll come immediately to handle them for you,” Django said, handing over a business card.
“This is my personal contact. Not just for selling goods—if there’s anything you want, you can use this number. I’ll find you exactly what you need at the lowest price.”
“Alright. Here’s to a long-term partnership.” Leon accepted the card with a smile.
“Of course. I look forward to your call—even if it’s just to meet for coffee.” Realizing how his words could be taken, Django noticed Leon’s startled expression and quickly corrected himself. “I mean, just call me if you ever need anything. Ahem… well, I’ll be going now.”
With that, Django made a hasty exit before the awkwardness could deepen.
…
Watching him leave, Lewis remarked, “The Traveling Merchant’s Guild never disappoints. Their efficiency is amazing.”
“Yeah. They were very professional. The way they handled that giant cauliflower, it’s clear they’ve done this many times—and their equipment was top-notch,” Leon agreed.
“Don’t underestimate that gear. Those are high-end protective suits designed for extreme environments, complete with built-in exoskeleton support. Only the Traveling Merchant’s Guild could afford to outfit workers like that,” Lewis explained.
“Protective suits for extreme environments, huh?” Leon recalled what Marlon had said about the people in the mines—they seemed to be wearing the same kind of suits. Could this mean the Traveling Merchant’s Guild had a deep partnership with the Pelican Town Adventurer’s Guild? Or had the Adventurer’s Guild simply hired these workers from them?
“Are you worried they won’t pay you?” Lewis asked, seeing Leon lost in thought.
“No, I’m just wondering how much those suits cost,” Leon replied with a grin.
“They’re probably expensive. I don’t know exactly.” Lewis shook his head, then reminded Leon, “The cauliflower’s been taken, but the roots are still in the soil. Dig them out, chop them up, and bury them again. Once they rot, they’re almost as good as fertilizer.”
“Got it. Thanks for coming so early to help, Lewis.”
“No need to thank me. Like I said, if you need anything, just ask. We’re all friends here,” Lewis said, waving it off.
“Oh, and at noon, come to Gus’s Stardrop Saloon. We want to introduce you to a new friend. She’s also a farmer and has decided to return to Stardew Valley to build her own farm. You two might have a lot to talk about and work together on. Don’t miss it.”
With that, Lewis got into his pickup and drove away from Red Star Farm.
Leon mulled over Lewis’s words. He had thought he was the only farmer in Stardew Valley. Now it seemed there was going to be another. And from Lewis’s mention of “returning,” she was likely a Pelican Town native. That made him all the more curious—he’d never heard of a second farmer in the game.
And Lewis had said “she.” In this world, male, female, animal, and divine pronouns were all distinct, so there was no ambiguity—she was definitely a woman.
This welcome lunch for the new farmer suddenly felt much more interesting. A female farmer, the second in Stardew Valley aside from himself—Leon’s curiosity was piqued.
But first things first—he still had to dig out the cauliflower roots, replant seeds, feed the chickens, check the mushroom cave, and see if the fruit bats had brought him anything. Daily work awaited.
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